Public Spaces Community PLACES (PSCP)
We believe thriving places help define a community’s economic vitality. From bike trails, to pocket parks, to public sculpture projects, they contribute to a strong quality of life, help attract and retain talent, and grow stronger local economies.
Do you have a passion to help make a great new public space a reality in your community?
A new program designed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in collaboration with the Michigan Municipal League, allows you to do just that – but with maximum results! This crowdgranting initiative provides matching grants for crowdfunded public space projects through Patronicity, an online, crowdfunding platform.
This is the first program of its kind in the country where local residents can be part of the development of transformational projects in their communities and be backed by the State, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.
The grant program is available to municipalities with projects that focus on “activation of public spaces and community places,” such as an outdoor plaza or park enhancements and that have established public awareness and local momentum.
Once a project has been chosen and the funding gap has been identified, the community can apply to MEDC to conduct a crowdfunding campaign of up to $50,000 generated in part by donations from community residents and stakeholders. Funding generated by the campaign will be matched with a grant by MEDC.
How does a community get started?
It’s simple! Local units of government and non-profit organizations that have identified projects in their communities and are interested in applying should contact their CATeam Specialist. The project application can be found on the Patronicity website at www.patronicity.com/puremichigan. Once an application is started on the website, staff at Patronicity will contact you to learn more about your project and help you complete the application. When an application is complete the MEDC will evaluate the project and, if approved, you are off and running to build your campaign and get ready to raise your funding! The friendly staff at Patronicity will work hand in hand with you to help design a crowdfunding campaign that works for you and your community.
What are the requirements?
Public Spaces Community Places Application Guide
WHO can apply? – Local Units of Government and Non-Profit Organizations for projects located in communities with a traditional downtown.
WHAT type of project are we looking for? – Any project activating public space! Check out the application guide for examples or browse some of the great projects we’ve done to date at Patronicity.
WHERE do we want to do projects? – Projects can be located in any Michigan community with a traditional downtown.
WHEN can you apply? – We accept project applications on a rolling basis. So give us a call today.
WHY would you want to apply? – Because it’s awesome! And your community needs you. C’mon. Everybody’s doing it.
HOW do you get started? – Start by checking out the 2017 Application Guide and then contact your regional Community Assistance Team (CATeam) Specialist or our friends at Patronicity.
MEDC serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.
Patronicity is a reward based crowdfunding platform based in Detroit. They enable anybody to make a difference in their community by supporting local businesses, organizations & events, while simultaneously rewarding them for doing so.
The Michigan Municipal League is the one clear voice for Michigan communities. Through advocacy at the state and federal level, the League proactively represent municipalities to help them sustain highly livable, desirable, and unique places within the state.
Looking for more information on Public Spaces and Community Places?
General inquiries
Please vist Patronicity's website for additional information. You may also contact your Community Assistance Team (CATeam) Specialist. Find yours here.
